Which Silkie Rooster to keep?

[racuda]

Quote:
Thanks. Number one it is!

 

[ultasol]

#1 has better type, better cushion, although both lack a fullness in the cushion that I like to see in show birds... would prefer to see less hard feathering in the tail. Choose females with full cushions for him. Otherwise, #1 looks pretty good, better than #2..... but I always keep a spare cockerel on hand just in case- because when you don't have one you can quickly lose an entire breeding season with the loss of your main cock bird.

 

[SunshineSilkies]

Quote:
I agree with everything ultasol said. Once I had the same dilema and sold two boys and then lost my best cock bird. It was like starting all over.

 

[Dutchgirl]

I like the muffs and feet best on #1.

 

[ChickyChickyBaby]

Quote:
x2


If I were going to replace the second roo with one from different bloodlines, I think that is what you said you were going to do, I would keep #2 until I was sure I had a good breeder roo to replace him.


For example: I had 3 splash roosters. #1 is breeder quality due to too many hard feathers in the tail and he doesn't hold his wings as tight as I like. However he has good type & short back, so I do use him for breeding. #2 & #3 are both better quality than #1. I used #2 in the breeding pens this spring. I gave him away and put #3 in with the ladies for a bit. #3 died from the heat within a week or so of #2 leaving. I really do not need #2, even though I lost #3, because I do still have #1. If I had not had 3, I would not have any splash roosters now.
To make a long story short, in less than 2 weeks I went from 3 roosters down to one.